Training

See also: Permitology, Sustainable Human Systems

Participants were trained in how to better plan for, and streamline, the permitting and environmental review processes for projects in California’s coastal zone. The workshop drew on the combined regulatory compliance and project management expertise of the presenters and their successful experience permitting and managing wetland restoration and infrastructure improvement projects in the San Francisco Bay and central coast of California. The course included an overview and discussion of natural resource laws typical of California’s coastal environment, as well as a discussion of how to best integrate and coordinate multiple environmental review processes. The class also trained participants in how to use project management and relationship building as a foundation for agency coordination and long-term resource management.

Workshop Format

This workshop consisted of indoor lectures, group discussion, and skills-based field site review.  Lectures were from an expert in environmental review and compliance as well as an experienced environmental restoration project manager.  Facilitated group discussion was designed to answer participant questions on the material.  Field site review and associated exercises focused on improved integration of the lecture material.  All activities took place at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, there was a short walk to the field site..

Workshop Objectives

By attending the course, participants:

• Develop a basic understanding of the natural resource laws that apply to projects in California’s coastal zone.
• Discuss opportunities to integrate and streamline environmental review and permit processes.
• Identify key components of a successful permitting effort.
• Conduct a site visit to a successful restoration project in the Elkhorn Slough estuary to consider and assimilate information gained in the classroom 

Topics Discussed

Overview of Natural Resource Laws

• Wetlands and water quality
• Endangered species and fish/wildlife habitats
• Coastal zone protection laws
• Cultural resource regulations
• CEQA
• NEPA

Integrating and Coordinating the Environmental Review Process

• Objectives of integration
• Integration opportunities
• Common problems

Key Components of a Successful Environmental Compliance Approach

• Project management
• Coordination
• Building and maintaining key relationships